Host’s Wife Character Analysis in The Decameron

In Panfilo’s ninth tale (IX, 6), the Host’s Wife lives with the Host, Miss Niccolosa, and her infant in a small home outside of Florence. When the tale’s bed-switching ensues, she enjoys unexpected sex with Adriano. As a fabliaux wife, she is clever enough to realize what’s happening and to cover up the night’s sexual antics before her husband realizes that both she and Miss Niccolosa have slept with the guests.

Host’s Wife Character Timeline in The Decameron

The timeline below shows where the character Host’s Wife appears in The Decameron. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...man makes his living selling food and drink to travelers. This Host lives with the Host’s Wife , their infant, and their teenage daughter, Miss Niccolosa. (full context)

...he thinks they’re asleep, he puts Miss Niccolosa into the second. Then he and the Host’s Wife settle in the third, with the baby’s crib right next to it. When everyone else... (full context)

...with the delicious Niccolosa, and the host protests at this dirty trick. This allows the Host’s Wife to realize that she’s in bed with Adriano. She gets up, sets the cradle beside... (full context)

The next morning, the Host mocks Pinuccio’s dreams. And, after somehow convincing the Host’s Wife that he was indeed just dreaming that night, Pinuccio finds easier ways of visiting Miss... (full context)